Flying with a Brompton

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Recently, while I was on holiday abroad, there were a number of occasions when I wished I'd taken my Brompton. I know Brompton sell their Transit Transport bag but they make clear it is unsuitable for airline travel as checked luggage. Apart from putting it in a suitcase, does anyone know of a purpose-made bag/case which would be suitable?

 

[Pblakeney]

I'd have thought a standard suitcase packed appropriately and within weight limits would be the most cost effective method.
Anything that makes it obvious to contain a bike will incur extra costs. Yes, it's silly but airlines will maximise their profits.

 

[wafter]

I'd have thought a standard suitcase packed appropriately and within weight limits would be the most cost effective method.
Anything that makes it obvious to contain a bike will incur extra costs. Yes, it's silly but airlines will maximise their profits.

Sounds like quite a fun project - like a less-likely-to-get-you-arrested equivalent of a tommy gun in a violin case

 

[CaptainWheezy]

Check out the B&W Foldon cases. We've taken ours to Mallorca a few times in them, flying with Jet2 and had no problems. They are slightly too big to be considered standard luggage so do have to go through the oversize luggage bit at the airports though, but since we always book places for them anyway it's no issue.

 

[u_i]

We fly our Bromptons in Vincita Sightseer bags. A B&W case stands idle in our household - I would say Vincita understand bike transport problem and B&W do not.

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions/experiences

 

[brommieinkorea]

I wrap the Brompton in half inch thick high density foam with shrink wrap , use two layers of foam at least and 4" or 6" shrink wrap rolls. Put in any nylon bag afterward and check it. You need a zippered bag of 24 x 24" x 12" or so. I made my travel bag but there are suitable ones like Rock Bros. on the market. If you use this method you can ditch the foam and pick up new most places in the first world when you're ready to fly out ( Halfords, Walmart,Lottemart, etc).

 

[Gunk]

Just use a Brompton Cardboard Box and tape it up, all you need to do is removed the saddle with an Allen key. boxes are about £15

 

[steveindenmark]

I have flown a few times with my Brompton. I now just use a canvas folding bag which is made for folders.

Coming back from Bulgaria, I put it in a double duvet and cling filmed it. At the airport I used their cling film service. It was fine.

I fly it as a sports item and not a bike.

 

[u_i]

I have flown a few times with my Brompton. I now just use a canvas folding bag which is made for folders.

Coming back from Bulgaria, I put it in a double duvet and cling filmed it. At the airport I used their cling film service. It was fine.

I fly it as a sports item and not a bike.

That baffles me. I spend 5 min putting my Brompton into the Vincita bag and 3 min taking it out. If my hands are busy, I advance, kicking the rolling bag in front of me, or I weave the bag's strap around my hand to pull it behind without losing the ability to carry something.

 

[steveindenmark]

My canvas folding bag is very similar to the Vincita bag.

What baffles you?

 

[u_i]

Ergonomics.

 

[Drago]

Ergonomics.

Oh, that's easy. Ergonomics is the scientific discipline focused on understanding the interactions between humans and their environment, and applying this knowledge to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

 

[mustang1]

I've used the normal bag from Brompton which I bought about 10-15 years ago. I cardboard the sides up and that's it.

I haven't flown with Brompton for a long time though so unsure what it's like these days but if I fly with it again, then I will continue using the above solution.